Microsoft continues to improve the administrative capabilities of Dynamics 365 Business Central. One of the most interesting additions in Business Central 2026 Release Wave 1 is the ability to manage database indexes directly from the Business Central client.
For administrators managing large environments, this feature provides greater control over storage consumption and database performance without requiring direct SQL access.
What are Database Indexes?
A database index is a structure that helps SQL Server or Azure SQL locate records much faster.
Instead of scanning an entire table, SQL can quickly seek to the required rows using an index.
Indexes improve:
- Searching
- Filtering
- Sorting
- Aggregations
- Report performance
However, indexes are not free.
Every INSERT, MODIFY, or DELETE operation must also update the indexes, which means:
- Higher storage usage
- Slower write operations
- Additional maintenance overhead
Finding the right balance is important.
What's New in Business Central 2026 Wave 1?
Business Central now exposes index information directly inside the application.
Administrators can:
- View every index on a table
- See index size
- Monitor index usage
- Enable indexes
- Disable unused indexes
- Manage indexes per company
- Manage indexes across all companies
Previously, this level of visibility typically required SQL tools or Azure SQL diagnostics.
Where Can You Find It?
Navigate to:
Search → Table Information
Open a table and choose its Table Number.
This opens the Table Data Management page.
Here you'll find an Indexes section displaying detailed information.
Information Available for Every Index
The page displays useful metrics including:
- Index Name
- Key Fields
- Index Type
- Index Size
- User Seeks
- User Scans
- Last User Seek
- Last User Scan
- Whether the index is enabled
These statistics help identify indexes that consume space but provide little value.
Company-Level Index Management
One of the most powerful improvements is company-specific index control.
Many Business Central tables are company specific.
That means:
Company A can have an index enabled.
Company B can have the same index disabled.
This is particularly useful when only certain companies use specific modules or business processes.
Instead of maintaining indexes everywhere, administrators can optimize each company independently.
Which Indexes Can Be Disabled?
Business Central protects critical indexes.
You cannot disable:
- Primary Key
- Unique Indexes
- SIFT Indexes
- SystemId Indexes
Only eligible secondary indexes can be turned off.
This prevents accidental performance or data integrity issues.
Benefits of Disabling Unused Indexes
Removing unnecessary indexes offers several advantages:
Reduced Storage
Indexes can consume significant database space.
Disabling unused ones reduces storage requirements.
Faster Write Performance
Every insert, update, and delete operation must update indexes.
Fewer indexes mean:
- Faster posting
- Faster imports
- Better data synchronization
- Improved batch processing
Better Environment Optimization
Different companies often have different workloads.
Company-specific index management lets administrators optimize each company independently.
Important Considerations
Before disabling an index:
- Review usage statistics.
- Monitor reports and searches that rely on the index.
- Test changes in a sandbox.
- Disable only indexes with consistently low usage.
- Monitor performance after making changes.
Indexes that appear unused during a short observation period may still support monthly or annual processes.
Enabling an Index
Disabling takes effect immediately.
Enabling is queued and processed during the scheduled midnight maintenance process.
Plan accordingly if immediate availability is required.
Best Practices
✔ Monitor index usage over time.
✔ Test in a sandbox first.
✔ Disable only low-usage secondary indexes.
✔ Never assume an index is unnecessary based on a single day of activity.
✔ Document any changes made to production environments.
Final Thoughts
The new Database Index Management feature gives Business Central administrators much greater visibility into database performance.
Instead of relying solely on SQL tools, administrators can now make informed optimization decisions directly from the Business Central client.
For organizations with multiple companies and large datasets, this feature can help reduce storage costs, improve write performance, and simplify ongoing database maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I disable every index?
No. Primary keys, unique indexes, SIFT indexes, and SystemId indexes are protected.
Does disabling an index affect all companies?
No. You can disable it for a single company or for all companies.
Does enabling an index to happen immediately?
No. Enabling is scheduled during the next midnight maintenance process.
Why would I disable an index?
To reduce storage usage and improve insert, update, and delete performance when the index is rarely used.
Is this feature available in earlier versions?
No. It is available starting with Business Central 2026 Release Wave 1.
Regards,
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